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THIRD- year IMU Bachelor of Pharmacy student Tan Wee Kiat was selected to join a Student Exchange Programme by the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation ( IPSF) at Croatia.
He shares his experience at his recent attachment:
“I was attached to a community pharmacy located in a neighbourhood, which is accessible by tram and a short walking distance.
“Due to the huge difference in pharmacy practice between Croatia and Malaysia, the practice, the patient literature level and the system amazed me a lot.
“Observing the dispensing separated practice in Croatia allows me to truly understand the importance of dispensing separation in a healthcare system.
“As the pharmacy is located in the neighbourhood, the majority of patients refill their prescription constantly in the same pharmacy.
“As a result, the pharmacy is able to trace the records of patients’ past medical and medication history and it allows the pharmacist to screen for clinical errors in the prescription such as drug interactions.
“Besides patient safety, a dispensing separated system subjects doctor and pharmacist to practise ethical monitoring.
“In Croatia, the community pharmacy is subjected to strict legal control. While the community pharmacy benchmarking guideline remains as a guideline in Malaysia, the requirements on community pharmacy design are enforced by law in Croatia.
“The authorities can shut down the pharmacy if any requirement is not met.
“Overall, I must say it is a precious experience for an undergraduate like me to travel abroad and learn the pharmacy profession in Europe.
“The pharmacist taught me the Croatian healthcare system, sharpened my extemporaneous preparation skill and showed me interesting cases.
“Apart from professional development, I was introduced to pharmacy students from around the world.
“We exchanged opinions in pharmacy development, our culture, as well as our Facebook, in order to maintain the international network.
“As the attachment lasted for three weeks, I had the chance to enjoy the lifestyle of a Croatian.
“I learnt some simple Croatian words, enjoyed their food, took their public transport and had outings during weekends.
“I am grateful and thankful to everyone who made this happen.”
This is an opportunity that students at IMU are exposed to.
Its Bachelor of Pharmacy ( Hons) students also have the option to transfer credits in their first two years’ curriculum to the pharmacy programme in the University of Otago, New Zealand, or University of Tasmania, Australia.
These international partnerships are a clear testament of the alignment of IMU’s innovative education to global standards.
Students could also complete the entire four- year pharmacy degree in IMU.
The next commencement for the Bachelor of Pharmacy ( Hons) programme is this month ( September).
If you are inspired on a diverse career that is involved with the safe and effective use of medicines, make an online application today to study IMU’s pharmacy programme.
If you have just completed your SPM and do not have preuniversity qualifications, consider enrolling in the one- year IMU Foundation in Science, the preferred foundation and direct route for entry into any of the university’s local degree programmes.
For more information, refer to www. imu. edu. my, e- mail to start@ imu. edu. my or call IMU at 03– 2731 7272.